Matt King, the Australian Test centre who has been such a disappointment since joining Warrington last season, today took the unusual step of issuing a personal apology through the club's website for his conduct during the Wolves' 60-point humiliation at Harlequins on Saturday.

King admits retaliating verbally and with a hand gesture to the abuse he was receiving from a section of Warrington's travelling support.

"During the second half I received a barrage of personal abuse directed at me from a section of our 'support'," he wrote. "The abuse culminated over a period of time before I reached my breaking point and I snapped. Being only human I retaliated verbally and with a hand gesture to the said 'supporters'.

"I would like to apologise for any offence caused to any supporters, especially families and young children who were sat in this area. As a professional rugby league player I understand I have an example to set and many young supporters see me as a role model. I take pride in how I handle myself and always try to set a good example for others to follow on and off the field. My reaction to the abuse was out of character for me, but as I said before, I had reached my breaking point.

"This statement has been written with sincerity and I hope the good supporters of Warrington Wolves will accept it."

Warrington's new coach, Tony Smith, has endorsed King's apology and expressed his hope that the 28-year-old will play a part in the major rebuilding operation that is clearly necessary at the club.

Elsewhere today Gareth Ellis, the England second row who left Leeds at the end of last season to join the Wests Tigers in Australia's National Rugby League, made a winning debut against the Canberra Raiders.